Windows Failed to Start -- Nothing Works!

[user on ubuntu]

tazaffe@yahoo.com wrote:
> My computer was working fine this morning until I did a hard shut-
> down. Now I'm getting this following error message every time I turn
> on the computer:
>
> "Windows Error Recovery
>
> Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be
> the cause.
>
> If Windows files have been damaged or configured incorrectly, startup
> repair can help diagnose and fix the problem. If power was interrupted
> during startup, choose start windows normally.
>
> Launch Startup Repair (recommended)
> Start Windows Normally"
>
> Neither of the options provided work. Loading in safe mode brings me
> back to the "Windows Error Recovery" screen. No system restore points
> work. Startup repair from the Vista boot disk doesn't find any
> errors.
>
> I've read a bunch of posts on this problem. So far, none of the
> proposed solutions have worked. Any suggestions? I'm looking for an
> option that doesn't involve restoring factory settings and losing all
> the files that I (shortsightedly) failed to back up.
>
> Please help!
> Tara

failure is what vista is all about

[tazaffe@yahoo.com]

My computer was working fine this morning until I did a hard shut-
down. Now I'm getting this following error message every time I turn
on the computer:

"Windows Error Recovery

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be
the cause.

If Windows files have been damaged or configured incorrectly, startup
repair can help diagnose and fix the problem. If power was interrupted
during startup, choose start windows normally.

Launch Startup Repair (recommended)
Start Windows Normally"

Neither of the options provided work. Loading in safe mode brings me
back to the "Windows Error Recovery" screen. No system restore points
work. Startup repair from the Vista boot disk doesn't find any
errors.

I've read a bunch of posts on this problem. So far, none of the
proposed solutions have worked. Any suggestions? I'm looking for an
option that doesn't involve restoring factory settings and losing all
the files that I (shortsightedly) failed to back up.

Please help!
Tara

[Snidley W.]

Miracle requests are really heavy at the moment...

Did you take a number?

[Andre Da Costa]

Boot into safe mode, click Start > type CMD, right click it and click Run as
Administrator, at the command prompt, type SFC /SCANNOW

If that does not work, boot back into Safe Mode again, open back Command
Prompt with the same Administrative privileges, but this time type CHKDSK /F

You will need to reboot to start it.
-

[Weewoo]

I had the same exact problem with my desktop. The only solution I found was re-installing Vista. I ordered the disks from Gateway and had to completely delete my partition and create a new one. If you do this, you'll lose all of your data, but its the only way I found. You could get the disks from your computer manufacturer's website or probably Best Buy. If you do get the disks keep them close. I fixed my computer with this a few weeks ago, and it was working fine, until I used Windows Update to install Windows Service Pack 2. That crashed my computer, bringing back that same error, so I had to completely wipe it again. Now, today, out of nowhere, a blue screen popped up, followed by that same error again. I am re-installing Vista right now, and I will probably have to at least one more time within the next month. If you do buy/get the disks, I suggest after you re-install windows and get all your programs back, you copy all of them to a DVD so you won't have to re-download all of it later. Good luck.
(You could also upgrade to Windows 7 but I wasn't thinking when I ordered the disks. I wish I did but w.e.)